AustLit

'Ula lives by a beautiful lake with her mum and dad and spends hours in her favourite tree daydreaming. Despite being forbidden to ever go out on the lake by herself, Ula imagines she sees a magic island appear in the middle of the lake. Unable to resist, she paddles out and meets the wish bird Ambrose who grants her one wish. She could be an Hawaiian princess or wish for a room full of toys or shiny new pink boots. But Ula realises all she really wants is to go home and be with her family.

• Celebrates the importance of imagination and adventure
• Balances the idea of having freedom and independence with the need to be nurtured and loved within the family
• Beautifully illustrated, Ula will appeal to both pre and early readers

'Ula loves to daydream and go on big adventures. When she visits the magic island where wishes come true, what will Ula wish for' (Publication summary)

'Bo discovers a magical place beneath the waves. During his adventures, he sees wonderfully strange creatures and their beautiful homes. But he also learns that parts of our underwater world are disappearing … and that it is up to all of us to look after our oceans.' (Publication summary)

'Everton has his first bike, but riding it is a challenge. However help comes from an unusual source and teaches him more than how to ride. This second book is beautifully enriched by the images of artist Julie Sydenham. They will take the reader on Everton's journey as he masters many life skills. Everton & Will has a visual element where the reader must find Miss Mouse hidden in the illustrations.' (Publication summary)

'This charming variation on the much-loved classic story about the house that Jack built is sure to delight young and old. It begins with the plankton that floats in the oceans around Australia. Along comes a fish that eats the plankton, but it in turn is chased by a dolphin, and so the story continues.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'When I Grow Up taps into a universal question, exploring ideas for children’s own future as a grown-up. When I Grow Up is a classic, yet uplifting tale told from the perspective of a child.

'When I Grow Up fosters imagination and creativity. When I Grow Up is wonderfully illustrated using mixed media. When I Grow Up has a quirky sense of humour to delight the reader.'

Source: Publisher's blurb.

'A sob in the night wakes a little girl called Sonoma...and what does she find?

'A magical little mouse who is hungry and scared of the dark.

'What does Sonoma do?

'Sonoma Meets Miss Mouse is a heartwarming tale of a little girl named Sonoma and her new best friend. Through the warm, vibrant illustrations and rich text, children will learn the value of friendship and the importance of helping all creatures great and small.

'Illustrated by acclaimed artist Julie Sydenham, Sonoma Meets Miss Mouse evokes a sense of magic in all who read it. With Julie’s lush, mixed media pieces created from a unique birds-eye perspective, young children will be transported into the magical world of Sonoma and Miss Mouse. Through Di’s elegant language and Julie’s stunning visual cues, parents are encouraged to involve themselves in their child’s reading and share the adventure together.'

'Sara is a girl with a wild imagination and a wonderful sense of fun.

'“Mum! Dad!” Sara shouted.

“There’s a hippopotamus in the sink.”

'Join Sara on a journey full of surprises in this delightful tale for children - young and old.' (Publisher's blurb)

'Corianda is a brave little tortoise.

'After a lucky escape from the poachers he calls on the help of the other bush animals to save his friends.' (Publisher's blurb)